Work on £5.5m school defies weather

Work on a £5.5 million new school is on track for completion next summer despite delays in construction caused by the cold weather snap.

Outdated and cramped Christ Church CE Primary School in Harden Road, Leamore, is being rebuilt to provide 21st century classrooms and more space for pupils.

The older block built in the 1970s is situated about three metres from the new site and will be demolished when the new building is complete.

Head Ann Lowe said the construction work was making progress despite the snow and icy conditions.

"It looks fantastic already," said Mrs Lowe. "When it's finished it will be iconic. We are all very excited about it. We were hoping to get it bricked up and the roof on by Christmas, but the weather has impeded the work.

"However, we are expecting it to be completed by July so we can get in for the start of the next school year. It's really taking shape. We plan to do some community related projects, such as burying a time capsule and a special brick laying event will be held in the new year," Mrs Lowe said.

The building is of a circular design, there will be improved parking facilities, hard and soft playgrounds and landscaping. When the new building is opened it will fit more than a 100 extra pupils increasing capacity to 354 pupils, around 37 staff and a 26-place nursery for three-year-olds.

The scheme is being funded by the national Primary Capital Programme.

Designed by Seymour Harris Architects, the building is being erected by Willmott Dixon, which is also responsible for refurbishing and rebuilding several schools in the area, including Barcroft Primary, in Elm Street, Willenhall; and Birchills Church of England Primary Community School, in Farringdon Street, Walsall.